Illya walked over to where Kai was training and gave him a warm smile.

"You know, you don't really need to name the stronger form the same as Shana", Illya said and looked over to where the drones had been destroyed. "It will come easier for you and the device to "feel" what it should be called."

========

Shana simply looked at Akira and gave him a warm smile.

"Don't worry about it, I just did something for a friend and that's it", Shana said.

"You know, you don't really need to name the stronger form the same as Shana"

"I'm naming it in her name. If it weren't for her helping me rid my mind of the...imprint I doubt that I would have the ability to create a new attack. That damn imprint would still be blocking my focus. And besides, the device is still cursed and the few names it suggested were..quite inappropriate."

Kai looked at the academy which had a few scorch marks on the upper side of the building where the attack had passed by it.

"My apologies...I didn't anticipate the blast would be that powerful. The basic idea of this attack is that it fires a medium sized blast of magical energy at a target...but I seem to lack control with long range attacks."

Hizuni...In three weeks I'll finally see Hizuni again...and if the mage has had her for nine years then I'll most likely be fighting the two of them on two fronts. It will take...two weeks at most to reach the colony and that is when I will finally free my...little sister. I never thought I would think of Hizuni again.

"In one weeks time I need to take a transport out for the span of two weeks. If this is acceptable to you Captain."

"Well, don't think you've gotten rid of us that easily mister. We are coming too, Commander Carrington is sending the unit out. This is our goal after all, if this mage has gathered Artifacts then it is our duty to retrieve and secure these artifacts and of course stopping the bad guys. This is the elemental drive of this unit remember?", Illya said. "We'll give all the help we can give, we'll do our part, you can count on that. We will be leaving on the Altaria, it's a Federation Starship that will take us through the multiverse. It's one of the fastest ships in the whole Federation and it's armed to the teeth. If it comes to it, we'll have to use the Arcane Gun, it's the single most powerful weapon in the Federation, the only trouble about it is it's supposed to be a last resort because it can cause a dimensional disruption so big it can destroy countless worlds in the multiverse. So we need to act cautiously".

Illya looked over at the training field and sighed, she then looked at Kai still smiling.

"When Terra talked to us about forming the unit, we knew what we were getting into. We've fought really hard battles, battles on which we've almost lost our lives. But we've always fought as a friends, as a family. That's what we're trying to create here. More than just a military group, we're building friendship, we're building a family. And if someone threatens a member of that family, we'll be there to face whatever comes our way. That's how we've always done it, and no matter what, we will prevail", Illya said and started to walk back to the cafeteria. "Your dorm room has been separated from Akira's. Just to avoid friction between you two. Just know something, Akira has a problem, he needs understanding right now, if you can, give him a chance."

"When Terra talked to us about forming the unit, we knew what we were getting into. We've fought really hard battles, battles on which we've almost lost our lives. But we've always fought as a friends, as a family. That's what we're trying to create here. More than just a military group, we're building friendship, we're building a family. And if someone threatens a member of that family, we'll be there to face whatever comes our way. That's how we've always done it, and no matter what, we will prevail."

I think I'll need to move up my timetable...They can't come along on this mission...They can't. If only for their own sake. I won't let them endanger Hizuni-san.

"If that is what you wish. However...I don't agree with your decision. This man had the power to destroy the colony but he chose to attack it with ground forces. He enjoys the destruction, the chaos that he causes. It will be much better if I face him alone."

She won't agree to this...I will most likely have to steal a transport and go to the colony myself. With my new attacks I'll at least be able to rescue Hizuni. Then...later I'll come back and finish off the mage.

"Just know something, Akira has a problem, he needs understanding right now, if you can, give him a chance."

"He is insaine. I don't trust easily and when he destroyed those Hostage droids he proved that I can't trust him in combat situations. Imagine if that hostage droid had been Shana...and she had let her guard down. We would be minus one team member right now. That is why I don't trust him."

"Don't worry about it, I just did something for a friend and that's it."

Akira smiled back and nodded, "But you still did it, even if I had lost control. I wouldn't be thanking you right now if I were dead. I say it again, if you ever need anything done, just let me know....but you can do me one favor."

He sighed, "If I loose control, and are beyond saving, don't hesitate to kill me. It would be doing everyone a favor."

Illya turned much more serious this time. He really seemed to think only he alone had the power to stop the mage. He seemed too confident in his abilities and simply seemed to think none of them stood a chance against the mage.

"You underestimate us greatly. And if you think the Federation is simply going to overlook this situation then you're wrong. This was the purpose that Division Nine was put together. We've faced much more dangerous opponents than this, you'd think we would be S rank mages if we just sat on our asses all day? No, and of course, if you are to unleash the limiter in your device you need authorization from the Council. And you can only get that through Commander Carrington. This Multiverse has been in peril countless of times and we've always been there to stop it. I won't be looked down upon by a cadet, you may think of this as arrogance but it actually is not. It's a wake up call to you, if you think you can handle this alone and just go and rush in, it only proves how truly unprepared you really are", Illya said and continued to walk away to the cafeteria. "And don't forget, this is the military too, just because we're a family it doesn't mean we tolerate insubordination. Remember that before you go off doing something you'll regret later. And about Akira, I just gave a suggestion. You should give people a chance, everyone has problems of their own. Akira has a problem that's not his fault, his case is a form of a curse in a way just like you, and if Shana was able to forgive him without knowing about his curse, then why can't you?"

Illya did not wait for an answer, she simply went away inside the cafeteria. She wasn't one to scold others, but she felt that Kai's arrogance had to be adressed with a much firmer tone. She generally leaves that kind of speech to Juno but she felt she had to say it now.

===============

Shana nodded at Akira and then looked at Sergeant Yamamoto.

"Nice to meet you Sergeant", Shana said as she saluted him and then turned to Akira. "We will find a way to cure you of whatever is causing this. Don't worry, no one is gonna get killed."

Admiral Kain... a pinacle of corruption within the ranks, it seemed. If he were still alive, Wolf would hunt him down ruthlessly. But it seemed the deed was already done.

"We called you because you're an excellent soldier, and you're a team player. There have been several reports of artifacts resonating around the multiverse, we need all the capable hands we can get to retrieve them".

Wolf looked up at Carrington. "Artifacts?" he played-back. "Left over by the Ancients, no doubt..."

"What size force are you sending to recover these artifacts? Rookie cadets, no doubt. I suppose you want me to look after these kids while they're conducting their mission."

He paced away. "Very well... But you're hiring me as a mercenary, not a dog of the military. Agreed?"

"If you want to be under contract as a mercenary then no problem. Just keep something in mind, if you decide to join us as an active member, we'll gladly welcome you", Commander Carrington said and then looked over to him. "Although they maybe trainees here at Division Nine, all of them have prior experience in combat. They can take care of themselves, but I do want you to keep an eye on one in particular at the moment. His name is Akira. You'll know him when you join them all in the mission that they are departing on."

"It's a wake up call to you, if you think you can handle this alone and just go and rush in, it only proves how truly unprepared you really are"

"If you truley think that I have not been planning for this day the moment I got here then you don't know me quite as well as you think do. The mage may be powerful, but do you honestly think he can withstand a transport hitting him at speeds over a thousand miles per hour?"

"I do this not out of arrogence...but out of desire not see anyone else harmed. This man has taken enough from me...I don't want him to take anyone else." He called as she walked away.

Kai watched as she walked back toward the cafeteria and his thoughts returned to those of training.

Alright...lets try this again.

"Cannon mode."

The sword shifted again and became a black cannon that had grey lines criss crossing across it's surface.

"It's clear how inexperienced you are scolding people", Juno said playfully.

"Well I thought I had to say something. Even though he says he's prepared for a long time, he's still young", Illya said.

"Don't worry, we know where he's going, we might as well just keep our distance a bit. See what he does, the important thing for the Federation is getting the artifacts that the mage has gotten his hands on. We'll just head in to make the retrieval. I'm sure he'll be alright", Juno said.

"I hope so too. Alright then. We need to carefully plan this. While Kai fights off the mage we'll get the artifacts, at least that way if he plans to do what I think he's gonna do, we can justify his action with the board by giving something to show for it. If we don't then they might get the excuse they've been looking for to shut us down, especially the Ground Forces HQ", Illya said. Juno simply nodded and then Illya went over to where Shana was sitting. Juno simply looked out at Kai training.

This is much easier then I thought it would be. Without that damn imprint constantly blocking my attempts. It looks like I'll be ready by the time the three weeks are up.

The end of Kai's cannon was rapidly circling in on itself as it built up power for his newest attack. I can master them later...Right now I have to develop them.

"Memory of the Fallen." The cannon chimed a very deep chime. "Memory of the Fallen...standby...ready."

Kai took a deep breath as the very end of the cannon pulsed with a very bright silver light. "Fire."

A very bright blast of light shot from the cannon and shot directly up into the sky at incredible speed. Kai was knocked onto his back by the force of the blast. Amazing...I've never been knocked down by one of my own blasts before. I'll classify this under 'Do not use unless necessary'.

He dropped down to one knee as he felt the last of his magic disappear and he dropped out of his Berserker form. That one blast wiped out the last of my magic. I had slightly less then half of my reserve magic left. I can only wonder how much stronger that blast would have been had I not used up the magic I used in my infinity shot.

Kai thought to himself for a moment before heading off to the cafeteria for a quick meal and then a shower...then sleep. Nothing restored the body like sleep.

"His name is Akira. You'll know him when you join them all in the mission that they are departing on."

Those words echoed within him for the past two days. There must have been something very dark surrounding this person; all the more reason why to hire Wolf to keep an eye on Akira. As well as look out for the other cadets. He viewed this mission as somewhat of a body-guard deal.

He walked to the cafeteria; he hadnt eaten for a while. They were the type of food a soldier would eat on a tray. He picked one up, and picked a table to eat on. There were a few people in the cafeteria today.

Isara walked into the cafeteria and spotted Wolf sitting on a table eating his lunch. She went towards him and sat opposite to him.

"Juno and Illya want to introduce you to the team so you know who they are", Isara said. "The sooner you get to know each other the better. We're gonna be flying out pretty soon, there's a situation that we need to handle so I'm gonna be counting on you to keep an eye out for anything."

==============

Illya walked over to where Shana was and saw Akira and Yamamoto sitting opposite Shana. She sat down beside her and looked at all of them.

"The other team member has finally arrived. He's here now and will be joining us on the next mission. We will introduce you to him later on in the day. He's a mercenary who used to be a part of the Federation, but due to his multiple talents he was hired for this Division", Illya said.

"What's he like?", Shana asked.

"He pretty much keeps to himself, but he's an excellent mage. You'll know when you meet him", Illya said. "Come by the Commander's office for a briefing before we leave for the Altaria."

Kai quickly walked into the cafeteria and looked for something to eat. He wasn't picky, It just had to be dead and edible.

He decided on a pack of energy bars and grabbed them and then headed up to his dormitory. Lets see...The mage will most likely attempt to shoot the transport out of orbit when I show up in orbit...which means I have to beat him to it.

Kai's head began to sting but he ignored it as he continued to think of a strategy that might work even as the pain in his head kept getting worse. Finally he sat up and rubbed his head.

What the...Why does my head hurt all of a sudden?

Because I'm here.

You...Why do you insist on tormenting me? Can you not wait until the three weeks are done?

There has been a change of plans regarding our..travel plans. I know what your Federation friends are planning Kai. They won't succede against me and you know it. You will meet me on the colony in one weeks time or I'll destroy the Federation Academy from space. You know I have the power to do so and you know I will.

One week Kai-san. One week and you'll be able to see me again...and see what you made me when you left me to die.

Kai looked up sharply at the last words. They didn't belong to the mage. They most likely belonged to Hizuni.

It looks like someone will have to know now. Someone I can trust not to assign blame...someone who will understand.

Illya had gone to a meeting with the high command. Shana was left alone in the Division Nine building. She was wearing a blue top with jeans and had a red trenchcoat on and her hair in a pig tail. She was standing outside near the training field. She was waiting for Illya to come back.

Shana was looking at the sky, fortunetly it was full of stars. She smiled to herself. She started singing in japanese a very slow song about the wind blowing to a place where the heart yearns to go.

A small bird stood on the rail looking at her briefly.

"It's a beautiful night isn't it?", Shana asked talking to the bird who only stared at her and then flew away. Shana kept looking at it as it flew with a smile on her face.

Kai looked out his dormitory windows and stared at the night sky. Somewhere out there the mage was traveling to his home...with his imouto-chan.They had been family on that colony and even though they were seperated Kai would never stop thinking of her as such.

If I left now I could push the engines on the transport to maxium power and possibly make it...but then the captains would come after me and leave the academy undefended.

Kai grabbed a piece of paper and began to write a note...explaining what needed to be done...the original three week deadline being shortned to one...and the mage's threat of destroying the academy from space if he didn't show in one week. I hope you understand...That I'm doing this to protect you. I have no doubts that I will possibly be overpowered...and possibly killed, but the academy shall remain. Kai wrote as he finished the letter.

He quietly snuck out of his dormitory and began to walk toward Captain Aiko's room. She is the most rational of them all...not clouded by emotion or anger.

He broke the lock on her door and quietly placed the note on her table, hoping that she would see it when she was ready...and he was hopefully far away.

Kai then turned and began to walk toward the hanger bay. He stopped as one of the many transports landed in the hanger and pilot quickly walked off. Hopefully he left the engines running...that would make this so much simplier.

Kai made sure he had a week's worth of supplies before sneaking onboard the transport and firing up the engines.

I'm coming imouto-chan...I'll be there soon.

He turned the transport toward the open bay doors and shot off toward the distant night sky.

"Juno and Illya want to introduce you to the team so you know who they are", Isara said. "The sooner you get to know each other the better. We're gonna be flying out pretty soon, there's a situation that we need to handle so I'm gonna be counting on you to keep an eye out for anything."

"I'm eating... As soon as I'm done, I'll get right on that." he promised. He dug his fork into the mash-potatos and quickly began devouring it. It was gone within seconds. He stared back at Isara.

"I was told to keep an eye on someone. He calls himself Akira. What exactly has he done that may compromise the mission?"

"It's not a question of what he's done persay", Isara replied and looked over to Akira's table. "He was involved in an incident that sort of split his persona in two. Corruption magic. He suddenly becomes violent, that's why we need you to keep an eye on him."

========

Shana noticed a transport leaving the hangar. It was a weird occurance, since all flights ceased after 10 pm. But there was no alarm, nothing to indicate anything was out of place but somehow Shana knew there was something wrong. She walked over to a maintenance officer who seemed to be working on a holographic console.

"Excuse me?", Shana said as she approached him, he turned around and greeted her with a salute which she returned. "Is it normal for a transport to be leaving past the curfew hours? I just saw one take off right now".

The maintenance officer looked puzzled, he then asked her what the transport looked like.

"It was a personnel transport", Shana informed and the man simply told her he would look into it and left.

A few hours later Juno got up from bed and noticed an envelope on her appartment's entrance corridor. It was addressed to her from Kai. She opened the letter and looked read it.

"So he went on his own", Juno said and looked out the window. "Good luck Kai. I have to report this though, but I might as well do it in a couple of hours. That way he might have enough of a window to do what he needs to do and then we'll retrieve the artifacts. That way we'll have a way to appeal on his behalf."

Akira was surprised on how time had passed, and he had not gone crazy, yet. He had boarded the ship without problem, but everyone was strangely quiet. Perhaps it was the anticipation of the first mission...they'd get used to it, though.

"Akira, Wolf please come over here".

"Yes, Ma'am."

He saluted and walked over to the group.

you very much If a tree would fall in the woods.....would the other trees laugh at it?

When he heard his name being called, Wolf apporoached Juno with Akira next to him. He shot him a quick glance, then turned his head back. He didnt speak a word.

The hanger bay was filled with cargo crates and all sorts of machinery. It even contained those infamous exosuit cargo-loaders to carry heavy equipment. All the canons, missles and spare weaponry were stored away in a chamber room against the wall. The floor was built with the seal to the airlock below. Everything else within the hanger was an equivilance to a stronghold/warehouse.

Juno turned to them as they made their way over to where she and Illya and Shana were standing.

"Shana, Akira, this is Wolf", she said turning to Wolf and giving him a grin. "He's a mercenary hired to Division Nine as a support member of this team. He'll be looking out for you but he's not a babysitter so don't give him any grief".

Shana nodded and looked at Wolf bowing to him and smiling.

"Nice to meet you Wolf", Shana said and then turned to Illya who moved forward.

"We shall take this time to rest up. Make sure you're ready for deployment in nine hours. We have to assemble at the bridge, so make sure you come ready for action. This time you'll be heading in teams. Juno, Wolf and Akira are Lightning Squad, and Shana and Me are Star Squad. If you happen to meet with Kai tell him he's with Star Squad as well", Illya said and then placed a hand on Shana's shoulder motioning her to come with her which she did. Juno was left there with Wolf and Akira.

"Now that we're here alone, I'll take this opportunity to state something. You are both on my team and I did this for the sake of you Akira. In case you go wild again, Wolf has all the tools he needs to help us inmobilize you if you go on a frenzy again. But remember that if you think you can manage to control yourself then try to do so. Until we get a way to rid you of the corruptive magic Wolf will step in for measures", Juno said. She didn't want to scare him and of course Wolf wouldn't kill him but she was confident enough that Wolf would be able to deal with him in case he lost it again.

"We're going to secure some artifacts that have been used by a rogue group. One of our unit members is dealing with the responsible parties as we speak. While he takes care of the opposition we will make sure we get our hands on those artifacts", Juno said.

Kai looked down through one of the viewscreens at the colony below him. Who would have thought I could have made it if I pushed the engines so hard?

The screen showed the same barren stretch of burnt land where countless deserted buildings stood, no one alive was left to claim them.

Except for the Mage and possibly Hizuni...he was the only living thing around. Hizuni...I'm coming for you imouto-chan... I promise. I won't fail you again.

He had slept for two days straight before finally reaching the colony, he had forgotten how good regular uninterupted sleep could be for the body. Now lets see here...If I'm going to crash the transport then I need to make sure that I have an escape route ready. Yes...this should do nicely.

Kai aimed the transport toward the life froms he had detected earlier and set the engines to overload. Hopefully it would look like he had died in a suicide attack on the mage.

The colony

Hizuni watched as the transport screamed through the sky, flying directly at the two of them with it's engines smoking from an overload presumebly.

"Master...shouldn't we move? I don't think I can stop him if he really does try and take us out in a suicide attack."

A large spiral of flame shot out and engulfed the transport just as Kai jumped off and bounced down between two buildings and watched from his hiding spot as the transports was instantly engulfed in flames and then destroyed before it could even get close to him.

"I'm sure we'll be good comrades as the missions progress. It is an honor to meet you."

Wolf didnt say anything. He accepted the handshake and grunted. He turned back to Juno as Akira queried about the mission.

"We're going to secure some artifacts that have been used by a rogue group. One of our unit members is dealing with the responsible parties as we speak. While he takes care of the opposition we will make sure we get our hands on those artifacts"

Kai watched from his hiding spot in one of the abandoned buildings that littered the city as the mage deactivated his device and turned to his apprentice.

"He is here...I can feel him."

"Where is he Master? I want to show him how much stronger I've gotten since he left me behind."

"That in none of your concern. The only reason you were brought along is because I may need someone to distract him for a few moments. He has gotten much stronger then I anticipated he would. He's still not near my power level but he is not far beyond you. The two of you are nearly matched."

The mage nodded to his apprentice. "I will begin searching the outreaches of the colony. You are to search the city for him. If you find him, fight him, defeat him, but do not kill him. Understand?"

A man stood infront of a monitor. He was dressed in a black armor. He had a patch over his left eye and had silver long hair.

"The Division Nine strike force is mobilizing my lord", the man in the black armor said.

Another man sitting on a chair looked over to him.

"It was to be expected. That power hungry idiot might prove himself useful to us. It might be time to move in and secure the data we need in the division's building. Tell our agent to move in now. We need samples for the Project P", the man on the chair said.

"But sire, why don't we just collect the subject and run the tests directly?", the black armored man asked.

"Because I stumbled upon the subject only a few years ago before I was outcast and my research destroyed. But when I performed the test, she was a viable candidate, at least her DNA proved as much", the man said.

"Alright then Lord Grier, it will be done", the armored man said.

"No mistakes Shevlan, none", Lord Grier said.

"Of course my lord", Shevlan said and left the room.

==========

A few hours later on the Altaria a report was passed to Commander Carrington that the medical bay had been infiltrated, a few vials of blood were stolen by an unknown thief.

"It has to be someone on the inside", Juno said. "No one could penetrate the peripheral defenses that easy, at least an alarm would've sounded, we have magical detectors as well as other technological sensors unknown to the general public, designed specifically by Isara".

"It is very troubling indeed", Commander Carrington spoke. "Have they identifyed which vials of DNA samples were stolen?"

"They stole some of all the females in the unit", Asuza said.

"Who might be after something like that?", Illya asked.

Commander Carrington stood up and began to pace around the conference room.

"We have no choice but to let things unfold for now. Let's concentrate our efforts in this situation. We will support Kai, even if he went by himself, and I can't agree with his actions, but as a unit this is our job. Gather everyone in battle stations, get Star and Lightning squads ready for deployment. If you encounter Kai, let him brief you on the current situation and support him", Commander Carrington said and dismissed everyone.

===========

Shana got into her uniform. She went over to the hangar bay to get ready for deployment. Illya slowly walked towards her. Shana was whispering a prayer with her hands together on her chest.

"What's up?", Illya asked her.

"Nothing, I was just saying a prayer", Shana said.

"For Kai?", Illya asked her with a smile.

"Yeah, he's down there by himself, at least this way I can support him while I'm not there on the field with him", Shana replied.

"I understand. Well we're Star Squad so we'll be in charge of looking for Kai while Juno, Akira and Wolf deal with the artifacts on the surface of the planet", Illya said.

"Are you sure we won't be interrupting Kai?", Shana asked with a frown.

"Juno is confident that by the time we reach the surface, Kai will have a big head start", Illya said.

Juno entered the hangar bay again and started to look for Wolf and Akira. When she saw them she called them over. The ship they were boarding was now in place. Commander Carrington appeared on the monitors.

"We will be in orbit inside the asteroid field of one of the moons, the magnetic field will hide our presence from them. Good luck to Star and Lightning Squads, we are counting on you", Commander Carrington said and then Isara and Kotomi walked over to their respective squads. Kotomi was with Lightning and Isara with Star.

Star Squad went inside the transport to await deployment.

(We will now wait for Chevron to move a bit more in his battle before deploying on the planet)

Hizuni slowly moved out as she searched the buildings for signs of life. "I know your here Kai! I can sense you! You might as well get it over with already!"

Kai quietly dropped out of the first story building he was in and watched Hizuni's retreating back.

"Hello Hizuni..." he said quietly.

She whirled around and stared at him with the coldest eyes he had ever seen on a person. "Kai."

She stepped toward him and her eyes blazed with hatred. "Onii-San...you didn't deserve that name. You left me to die on the colony."

Kai stepped foward hesitantly. "I-I...I I didn't...I thought you were behind me. I thought you were right behind me...I didn't know that you'd tripped...I tried to save you!"

Hizuni's violet eyes narrowed. "Tried isn't good enough Kai! He...He hurt me...He hurt me in ways that you can't possibly imagine. He made me relive the destruction of the colony over and over...I couldn't stop crying...and then he told me what you had done...That you ran away when he attacked me."

"That is a lie! I...I watched you hit the ground...and then I ran at him." Kai's eyes narrowed in rage and Hizuni took a slight step back at the sight of his burning eyes. "I fought him...I hit him with everything I had and in the end I still lost. I got myself cursed."

He looked her straight in the eyes. "When I thought you were dead...I lost control. I wanted to kill him...to make him suffer...to make him hurt as much as I had. Hizuni...If I had known that you tripped I would have gotten you and escaped...but I didn't know."

Hey eyes briefly softend before hardening again. "You could have gotten me. You could have rescued me and we could have looked out for each other. Instead...you let him take me."

"Don't you think I wanted to take you? At that moment...I would have given anything to get you back. Hizuni...I lived alone in the ruins of the colony for over nine years. Trust me, I had time to regret...and to try to kill myself. The only thing that kept me going was the thought of avenging you...and the colonists."

Hizuni's eyes softend again...and the bitterness didn't return this time. Kai contined to speak. "It is the duty of the elder brother to watch over the siblings that come after him. We are family Hizuni...surely you remember how we used to look out for each other. How I would find food and shelter for you...and in return you would make sure my pursuers went off in the wrong direction. I would never abandon you Hizuni...Never.

Her voice was quiet. "I-I've always held onto the device you stole for me...the New Heart. I used it...contaminated it with dark magic...I failed you Onii-san. I didn't use it like you told me to use it."

Kai went over to her and hugged her as hard as he could. "Don't think that Hizuni...you could never fail me. You've made me so proud of you...Instead of immediatly fighting me you listened to me...and you learned the truth..I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me someday."

Hizuni smiled and wrapped her arms around Kai, all trace of bitterness and anger gone.

Kai finally let himself go and he began to weep when he felt a shudder run through the ground around him and he abruptly let go.

"He's found us. Run Hizuni. I'll handle him. Just...run. I don't want to see you hurt again."

Hizuni nodded and was about to run when a whirlwind of black energy hit Kai directly in the stomach and punched directly through, leaving a large hole in his stomach and the bottom of his chest.

Akira stood by the deployment bay, waiting for the order to move. He figured it would be for the best if he was ready...he felt more in control when he was going to do something, or receive an order. It was the downtime that he felt he had little control over what could happen to him. He shifted nervously back and forth on his feet.

Well...first mission with the Elite....I probably should've waited before request for transferr...at least I could've had more experience... He thought to himself.

He then began to think about his comrades. The new man, Wolf, had a veteran's aura about him...but it was more bitter then the zeal of the Federation's Veterans that Akira had encountered. Perhaps a tough past, which would explain him joining the Mercs. Then there was Kai, obviously powerful, and completely loyal to those he tries to protect, his attempt to kill Akira had proven that. There was also Shana, she was kind, fair, a good example for the other members...perhaps too trusting, but that isn't always a bad thing. It seemed to Akira that there was something going on with Kai and Shana, but that had yet to be confirmed.

He then thought about the officers...but he quickly shook the thoughts from his head.

I'm losing focus...I have to keep my mind in the here and now.... Akira took a breath and continued to stare out of a nearby viewport into space.

He squeezed his Pendant...and it spoke.

"Oww...really, you should find something better to do then squeeze me."

"Good reason? There is no good reason for suicide. What were you thinking? Had you no idea what the reprecussions would be? You take it too hard, and it's not even you're fault...I mean the problem wasn't."

This made sense to Akira, and he began to think deeply on the matter. Neither spoke for a long time, amybe 10 minutes.

Finally, Akira broke the silence.

"You know, you're right...I'm going to change this for the better."

"Good."

"We should talk more often."

"Well, I'm always here...."

you very much If a tree would fall in the woods.....would the other trees laugh at it?

Wolf entered the ship as instructed, and sat on the nearest seat. He glanced at Akira who just suddenly yellped.

"OY! Dawn...you've been quiet..."

Wolf slid his large revolver from his holster, and looked at the Device attatched to a chain held by the handel; Valefor's Darkness. As far as he knew, his device was a mute... or simply lacked the ability to speak with Wolf. In the time it was kept in his possession, it never spoke a single word.

Wolf prefered that it didnt speak; afterall, it is only a tool. He could feel its warm power bonding with Wolf; thats all the interaction he needed from Valefor.

Kai slowly staggered to his feet as the mage walked closer and closer. "I'm slightly angry at you Kai. I would have expected you to have fought Hizuni...killed her. Instead you pleaded with her to understand and then you told her to run. So very...disappointing. I thought you were stonger then that Kai."

"I told her to run to keep her from getting hurt by you again. You will not harm her again for as long as I live."

"My dear boy...you seem to be under the mistaken impression that you have a say in this matter. I can destroy whoever or whatever I want, whenever I want simply because I have the power. Like that Federation ship thats hiding in the Asteroid belt right now."

They followed me?! Damn it!

"Leave them alone. Your battle is with me and me only. If you hurt them...any of them-"

"You'll do what? Kill me? In the shape your in you can barely walk. I will deal with them...as soon as I take care of my so-called 'apprentice'."

No...Not Hizuni! Not again!

Kai watched helplessly as the mage's hand began to glow with power and finally a blast of pure black magic shot out and struck Hizuni directly in the back as she ran.

"N-No...Not again...Not again...Not again...Not again."

Kai's mind did the only thing it could do in a situation like this. It shut down and began to reboot.

Shevlan entered the dark room with the giant screen. Lord Grier sitting in his chair overlooking the planet and watching the events unfold. The fight between the powerhungry mage and the young Division Nine's cadet. He grinned at the whole scene infront of him.

"Look at this Shevlan, who would've thought this guy would provide us with the perfect opportunity to test drive our experiments, this way no one will know it was us who planned the strike. Did you tell Alyssa and Kreik to move when the Captains enter the battlefield?", Lord Grier asked.

"Indeed, the compatibility of the test subject was a 100%. The Pandora project is a guaranteed success", Shevlan said.

"Of course, move in as soon as Alyssa and Kreik come into contact with them", Lord Grier said.

"As you wish my lord", Shevlan said.

========

Commander Carrington had a feeling. The enemy knows we're here, just as expected, she thought to herself.

"Initiate mission", Commander Carrington gave the order. All stations reported good to go. The ship holding Star and Lightning Squad sped out of the hangar bay towards the planet's surface.

Illya and Shana jumped out first. They headed towards the town. They could feel a very powerful magical force in the town as well as Kai's signature energy. They moved full speed towards him, they just hoped that Kai was ok.

Juno looked over at Wolf and Akira.

"This is it, we will engage all ground forces and head towards the temple on the northeast. They have the artifacts there. We will extract them and deliver them. Pick your targets and stay together, be mindful of your surroundings Akira", Juno said as she jumped out.

The ground was full of enemy forces, combat drones and robots. Juno had no problem bringing them down. It would be a short trip towards the temple.

Smirking man...Killed Hizuni. Took away our family again. So long...So long we have waited to fight him...to avenge. Will not die. WILL NOT DIE!

Kai's body slowly rose to it's feet and stood straight up as the pendant on his wrist flashed silently.

Not enough magic. Not enough power. Berserker. Not enough power. Not enough. Need more then Berserker. Need something even stronger. Something free of restraint.

Something darker.

Kai screamed in anger as his body changed into his Berserker form and then...contined to change. His pendant slowly and painfully merged with his arm and a fresh surge of power surged through him.

Kill him...Kill him. Kill him...Kill him...Kill him...Kill him

His teeth began to sharpen in his mouth and his hair shot down past his waist as his eyes turned a solid black. They were devoid of reason...of compassion...of human intelligence.

His muscles expanded to nearly seven times their normal mass as he continued to change.

The mage slowly looked behind him and stared in shock as a dark wave of magical energy surrounded him. This power...it's off the scale. He absorbed the pendant and is leeching even more energy from it. His magical reserves have increased by nearly ten percent.

The wave of magic slowly retreated and the now completley transformed Kai stepped forward with an animalistic growl. His eyes blazed with hatred as he stared at the mage.

"This is it, we will engage all ground forces and head towards the temple on the northeast. They have the artifacts there. We will extract them and deliver them. Pick your targets and stay together, be mindful of your surroundings Akira."

Akira saluted Juno just as she jumped out.

"We won't let you down, ma'am."

He then check his weapon and staff, jumping out into the battle itself. He took cover behind a thick nearby rock, enemy fire pecking the rock and ground all around him.

He activated his staff, transforming his regular uniform into black-body armor. Akira took out a hand-grenade and tossed it at the attacking droids. It took care of the job quickly, and he jumped over the rock.

The rocky terrain was difficult to traverse in some areas, but it wouldn't prevent easy advance to their position.

He looked back at Wolf.

"COME ON! Let's get moving!"

you very much If a tree would fall in the woods.....would the other trees laugh at it?

Kai stood in front of the mage and pointed down at the hole in his stomach and in his lower chest.

Hizuni...imouto-chan..gone.

Kai slowly reached out toward the slightly shocked mage who quickly jumped back to a safe distance. "Infinite Chaos!" His pendant chimed rapidly and then shifted into the form of a cannon. "Infinite Destruction...standby...ready my lord."

The mage quickly leveled the mouth of the cannon at Kai. "Fire! Fire now!"

The cannon barrel rapidly circled as the attack charged and then flew from the cannon at a speed so fast Kai could barely see it even as it slammed into him.

Even as the blast struck him he grabbed a stone and pulled himself under the blast and ran with inhumane speed toward the mage as the blast struck a building behind him and sent a massive blast cloud into the sky.

The mage jumped back again as Kai sliced at the spot where the mage had been a second ago. The seemed to part under his slice as he jumped toward the mage again.

What the hell happend to him?! He shouldn't have been able to absorb his pendant and he managed to somehow! I can just barely keep up with his attacks! I'll need to end this quickly.

The cannon pulsed once and a wave of pure dark magic shot toward Kai who simply took the full brunt of the blast and continued running...and finally got close enough to ram his hand directly through the mage's stomach and hold him up above his head.

"My turn." He whispered.

"Not...yet." the mage winced as he unleashed an attack of pure flame directly at Kai's face. The attack burned across his face and Kai roared in pain as he slammed the mage once against a wall before he flew off his impailed fist and landed on the ground.

At least...I managed to badly burn his face...I need to think. Think of a plan. But still...how did he get so amazingly strong?! The only time he feels pain is when he takes a hit to the face. I need assistance.

The mage pulled out a comlink and shaikly opened a communications link.

"All combat drones...are to converge on my position immediatly. Repeat...All combat drones to my position immediatly. Be aware...target has somehow transformed...all units are too use lethal firepower when fighting...He's too dangerous to try and take alive."

Groups of combat drones currently not in combat quickly turned and headed for the mage's position.

Kai was rubbing his head in pain as the flames continued to burn him. Pain...ignore it. Killlllll him. Killllll him. Kill him now.

He slowly got up and walked toward the mage with unsteady steps even as the flames from the attack continued to dance across his face. The first of the combat drones arrived and began to open fire on him.

Wolf stepped out of the ship and onto the battle field swarmed with drones and all sorts of enemies. He stepped off the ramp, holding his very large revolver over his shoulder.

The wind breezed on his face as he saw the temple up ahead. He raised his gun upward, and sighed.

He then charged himself up and leaped up. While in the air, he aimed his powerufl revolver at various targets. He fired rapidly, and each bullet either managed to criple or disable the droids. He landed in the space between the dismantled machines.

He only used his device on special occasions: like standing up against a tough enemy.

Juno noticed how all combat drones seemed to be leaving towards the town.

"This is our chance, there are three artifacts in there. Secure one each of you and I'll secure the last. Be careful for the sentry drones inside who will surely be guarding them, they're larger oponents with heavy physical and anti magic fields", Juno said as she went inside the temple. There were indeed 5 sentry drones.

Juno lept forward. "Scythe form"

Juno began to slice through the sentry drones with her attacks. But each drone was powerful so they went down with a few hits.

========

Shana and Illya arrived at the outskirts of town and saw a young girl lying on the ground. Illya raced towards her and looked at her wounds. She wasn't hurt badly, Illya made a healing bubble spell so she would be recovering slowly from the wound as long as she stayed inside.

"That must be Hizuni, Kai's imouto", Shana said and Illya nodded in acknowledgement. Suddenly two figures appeared on the ground before them. One was a woman in a red leather suit carrying a Great sword and the other was a man in a brown cloak and a black vest carrying a rapier sword.

"Finally we meet", the man in the brown cloak said. "I am Kreik, the fencer".

"And I am Alyssa, the destroyer", the woman said.

"What do you want? Are you with the mage?", Shana asked readying her staff.

"We are here to dispose of you", Kreik said at Illya and then looked over at Shana. "But you, we want you to come with us. Please don't put up a fight."

Shana looked at them both a bit puzzled.

"What do you want with me?", Shana asked.

"Those questions will be answered in good time", Kreik said.

Alyssa then readied her sword and went over to Illya who still had Hizuni in her arms.

"You are not needed, good bye", Alyssa said as she swinged her great sword to Illya but it only met Shana's round shield.

"Destiny Cannon!", Shana said and her staff fired the beam of energy sending Alyssa flying backwards and onto the ground.

"Just as we expected, you're pretty strong", Kreik said and readied his rapier. "But are your eyes fast enough to see this...".

In a flash Kreik seemed to teleport and with the hilt of his sword he hit Shana on the back of her head as she tried to turn around effectively knocking her out. Illya put Hizuni on the ground and charged at Kreik who put Shana's small body on his shoulder and blocked Illya's incoming strike.

Alyssa then got up and raced to attack Illya who had to get out of the way and jumped back to avoid her attack.

"Get out of here Kreik", Alyssa said.

"I'll be counting on you Alyssa", Kreik said as he flew away with Shana on his shoulder.

Illya activated her flying magic and raced after him only to be stopped again by Alyssa.

"Get out of the way! Holy Light Buster!", Illya said as she fired a giant beam of light towards Alyssa but blocked it with her shield. She then turned to Illya.

"Sword Pierce!", Alyssa said and launched herself towards Illya who defended with her bubble shield.

"Buster form", Illya's device said. "Holy Light Buster!". This time she fired a much bigger and even more powerful form of her attack, Alyssa's shield did not withstand the energy and broke. She was sent flying towards a rock and took the blow fully.

Kreik and Shana had disappeared. Illya looked over to Alyssa who was lying on the rock coughing up blood. Her arms and legs were broken.

"Where did he take her?", Illya asked her, her expression cold unlike she always was.

Illya fell to her knees. She had failed to rescue her little sister. No. She would not fail. She would get her back no matter what. As Kai fought for Hizuni, Illya would fight for Shana. No one would get in her way. Illya went back to Hizuni calling forward Asuza so she would take care of her.

A few minutes later the transport arrived and Asuza began tending to Hizuni's wounds. They waited for her to come back to her senses and Illya gave her a smile, it was a bit forced as she was containing the anger she felt towards herself for letting those people take her sister away.

"Kai has lost control Hizuni. He must think you are dead. Is there a way to bring him back to himself, otherwise the amount of magic he is using right now will break his body, the tension he's building up will kill him", Illya said. She knew this much as the same thing happened to her at some point and it happend to Shana as well not too long ago.